Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Commercial flight operations at Birsi Airport in Gondia, Maharashtra, have been suspended by airlines like IndiGo and Star Air due to "technical and operational" reasons, with potential links to the West Asia crisis affecting global energy supplies.
Key points
- Airlines IndiGo and Star Air have ceased operations at Birsi Airport.
- Reasons cited are 'technical and operational'.
- Speculation links the suspension to the West Asia crisis and its impact on energy supplies.
- Star Air has suspended services until May 31, while IndiGo stopped on May 1.
Background & context
Gondia's Birsi Airport is a regional airport. Its operational status can impact regional connectivity and economic activity.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Birsi Airport is located in Gondia, Maharashtra.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Economy, Infrastructure. Impact of global events on domestic infrastructure and connectivity.
Why in news?
The Congress party's entry into the Tamil Nadu Cabinet, led by CM C. Joseph Vijay (TVK), is delayed due to disagreements over the number of ministerial berths and timing, with the TVK suggesting one berth now and another later, which the Congress finds unsuitable for its senior MLAs.
Key points
- Congress MLAs have not yet taken the oath as Cabinet Ministers in Tamil Nadu.
- The ruling TVK party proposed accommodating one Congress MLA now and another during a future expansion.
- The Congress wants both its MLAs sworn in together due to their stature.
- The TVK is also considering including AIADMK members (excluding its leader) in the Cabinet.
- The Governor's invitation to the single largest party (TVK) to form the government is questioned for potentially ignoring the Sarkaria Commission framework and Supreme Court rulings.
Background & context
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by C. Joseph Vijay won the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, falling short of a majority and forming a coalition with parties including the Congress, CPI(M), CPI, VCK, and IUML. This marks a significant political shift in the state.
★ Prelims fact capsule
C. Joseph Vijay is the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, leading the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Governance. Coalition politics, Centre-State relations (Governor's role), Constitutional conventions.
Why in news?
A CAG report highlights significant issues with centrally protected monuments (CPMs) in Uttar Pradesh, including untraceable sites and a lack of proper ownership documentation, leading to encroachment and neglect, as exemplified by the deteriorating condition of monuments like Qadam Rasool and Imambara Shah Najaf in Lucknow.
Key points
- A March 2026 CAG report (for 2024) documented issues with 487 centrally protected monuments (CPMs) in Uttar Pradesh.
- 31 CPMs in UP are untraceable.
- Only 6.4% of CPMs have 'proper ownership documentation'.
- Monuments like Qadam Rasool and Imambara Shah Najaf in Lucknow are in a state of disrepair due to encroachment and neglect.
- Lack of maintenance and accessibility is affecting local heritage engagement.
Background & context
Centrally Protected Monuments are sites of historical and archaeological importance managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Uttar Pradesh has a rich historical legacy with numerous such monuments.
★ Prelims fact capsule
According to a March 2026 CAG report, 31 out of 487 centrally protected monuments in Uttar Pradesh are untraceable.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Art and Culture, History. Preservation of historical sites. GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology. Impact of development and neglect on heritage sites.